In
the wild, capuchins are diurnal (active during the day) and arboreal
(tree-dwelling). They are social animals and live in groups of 5-15
members. Each troop usually has a dominant, or alpha, male.

Capuchins
communicate with one another through a wide variety of vocalizations
and facial expressions. In addition, tufted capuchins often will
wash their hands and feet in urine and cover their fur with the
urine scent. This behavior is believed to be important in olfactory
communication.

Capuchins
are intelligent, curious animals. In captivity, they have been observed
to use tools to obtain food.

Breeding & Care of Young:

Gestation
lasts from 150 to 160 days, and birth seasons occur between October
and January. The mother generally will give birth to one offspring.
A newborn capuchin will cling to the mother's back or shoulders
for approximately the first 3 months of life.

By
6 months of age, young tufted capuchins are more independent and
have started eating solid foods. However, they still rely on their
mothers for some milk and for security during threatening situations.
Young are fully weaned at approximately 12 months of age.